Nov. 5, 2007

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman cornerback William Middleton has been named Southern Conference Defensive Player-of-the-Week for his performance in the Paladins' 52-49 win over 14ht-ranked Elon on Saturday, the league announced today.

A 5-11, 186-pound junior from Atlanta, Ga., Middleton recorded six tackles and intercepted two passes in helping Furman to the victory over the Phoenix. He recorded his first interception on the game's opening possession, returning it 27 yards to the Elon 14 to set up a touchdown that gave Furman a 7-0 lead. Later, with the Paladins leading 52-42 in the fourth quarter, he intercepted a pass in the end zone to halt an Elon scoring threat and help preserve the victory.

On the season he has 50 tackles, three interceptions and four pass deflections.

Furman takes on Georgia Southern this Saturday in Statesboro in a 3:00 p.m. game that will be televised by SportSouth.